Softball finishes season with losses to Pacific

As the season came to an end for the Puget Sound women’s softball team last Tuesday, April 16, it was extremely clear that they left everything on the field as they played.

It was not the best season for the Loggers as they were 2-37 all season, but they played strong each game. Losing four talented seniors will be hard for the Loggers next season, but with seven returning players the Loggers will have a lot to build upon.

The Loggers played their final set of games on Tuesday against Pacific on the Puget Sound home field. During the first game of the doubleheader, both teams struggled to take the initial lead of the game.

The Loggers and Pacific both left multiple runners stranded on the bases during several innings of the game. Freshman pitcher Megan Campbell (Seattle, Wash.) struggled with loaded bases multiple times throughout several innings, but she managed to get herself and her team out if without any extra runs for Pacific.

During the fourth inning of the game, Pacific scored the first run of the game, taking the lead. They continued to score two more runs in the fifth inning when one of their players hit a home, giving them the 3-0 lead. The Loggers attempted to bring several runners home, but it still was not enough and they only managed to place one runner, senior Shannon Reed (Tacoma, Wash.) on third throughout the entire game.

Although they lost the first game 4-0 against Pacific, the Loggers did not let the loss discourage them from playing even harder during the second game of their doubleheader.

Once the second game began, it was clear it was not going according to plan for the Loggers. Pacific came out faster and stronger than ever against the Loggers to take an early win.

Pacific hit several home runs in the first inning taking the 5-0 lead before the Loggers even had a chance to step up to the plate. The Loggers still scored in the bottom of the first when junior Taylor Jones (Keizer, Ore.) scored on a double from sophomore Marissa Jeffers (Issaquah, Wash.).

However, Pacific scored six more runs in the second inning, taking their lead to 11-1. At this point the Loggers struggled to overcome the deficit between themselves and Pacific; they scored three runs in the bottom of the second and another run in the bottom of the third.

These would be the only runs scored for the Loggers throughout the rest of game. Pacific scored two more runs in the third, taking their lead to 13-5 over the Loggers. The game concluded soon after, ending the Loggers’ 2013 softball season.

This was their first season under head coach Kellyn Tate. Though it is difficult to find positives in such a frustrating year, there are reasons to believe that things can be better next year. The doubleheader sweep against Willamette that provided the team with encouragement as the season drew to a close, showing that the team could compete with and beat Northwest Conference competition.

The team also has some returning players that they should be able to build around. Jones had a standout season, leading the team in batting average at .324. Jeffers also played well in her first full season as a starter, demonstrating her power by leading the team in home runs (3) and slugging percentage (.393).

Additionally, Campbell stepped in to pitch the majority of the team’s innings. Though she was inconsistent, she can only improve as her Puget Sound career progresses.

Although they did not have the most successful season, the Loggers will still continue to improve in order to get ready for their 2014 season next year.